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Traditionally, death is a taboo subject in Chinese culture. However, very few studies examine the effects of death education program on the psycho-spiritual outcomes among Chinese patients. This article, reports on a quasi-experimental study on Chinese patients with chronic diseases who participated in a psycho-education group on positive death preparation. Findings revealed that participants in the intervention group (n = 81) reported significantly greater reduction in fear of death, death avoidance, greater increase in death acceptance, death preparation, tranquility and spiritual well-being at immediate post-intervention than the control group (n = 79). It is also found that levels of death-related fear and avoidance in the intervention group were significantly lower at 1-month follow-up when compared with baseline. This study challenges the assumption that Chinese people are not receptive to intervention that addresses issues of death and dying. Implications of conducting death education program among a culturally diverse population are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous research suggests that sociodemographic characteristics as well as social environment assessment of individual social capital can support cancer survivorship. It is in this context that the current study was undertaken. The aim of this study was to explore the social capital of Hong Kong Chinese who live with a diagnosis of cancer. An exploratory analysis was undertaken of 20 patients diagnosed with cancer in the Queen Mary Hospital in Hong Kong and undergoing treatment, After informed consent, participants underwent a semi-structured psychosocial assessment, conducted by a social worker. Themes relevant to their cancer experience were explored, within their individual psychosocial context. Qualitative data was recorded within an Eco-Map framework and analyzed employing a Thematic Network Analysis model. The major themes identified within this sample included financial concerns, interpersonal relationships, and existential meaning. Cultural beliefs were found to be a major protective factor, as were supportive and caring interpersonal relationships. This exploratory analysis has demonstrated the importance of including social capital as an integral part of the approach to the patient experience and the importance of the concept of cancer survivorship in a culturally relevant context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medical and behavioral treatments are the predominant types of rehabilitation services for people with schizophrenia. Spirituality in people with schizophrenia remains poorly conceptualized, thereby limiting knowledge advancement in the area of spiritual health care services. To provide a framework for better clinical and research practices, we advocate a holistic approach to investigating spirituality and its application in spiritual health care services of people with schizophrenia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]